Find Grow Keep

Your company might look like it has a great culture—polite people, snacks in the kitchen, values on the wall. But what if those surface signs are hiding something deeper? 

In this episode, Karen tackles the concept of shadow values—the unspoken, often unhealthy behaviours that silently shape workplace culture. These are the behaviours that don’t show up on your website, but do show up in meetings, team dynamics, and employee turnover. 

You'll learn: 

• What shadow values are and how they erode trust 
• Why “niceness” in culture isn’t always a strength 
• 6 red flags that your workplace culture might be heading off course (even if it feels okay) 
• Practical steps to course-correct before it becomes a crisis 

Whether you lead a team of 10 or 200, these early signs are worth paying attention to. Because culture isn’t just about what’s written on the wall—it’s about what’s happening when no one’s watching. 

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!
 
Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.  

Also Mentioned in This Episode: 

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/what-are-shadow-values-and-what-can-we-do-about-them/ 

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/how-to-fix-a-toxic-workplace-culture/  

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Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

In this episode, Karen Kirton is joined by bestselling author and family enterprise advisor David Werdiger, to explore a topic rarely talked about in business circles: the emotional relationship founders have with their businesses—and why letting go is essential for sustainable growth. 

We unpack: 

• Why stepping back is one of the hardest (yet most important) things a founder can do 
• How to prepare for succession emotionally, not just strategically 
• The power of advisory boards in creating operational independence 
• What David learned from running multiple businesses and exiting on his terms 
• How communication, shared values, and governance underpin successful transitions 

Whether you're planning your exit, scaling your leadership team, or simply feeling stuck inside your own business, this episode offers relatable insights and practical strategies for moving forward. 

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!
 
Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.  

Connect with David: https://davidwerdiger.com/  

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

Have you ever had that sinking feeling a few weeks after hiring someone, wondering if you made the right decision? 

In this episode, Karen dives into what it really means when a new hire isn’t working out—and how this connects to your overall employee turnover. Whether you’re seeing early warning signs in a new employee or questioning why great people are leaving your business, this episode is packed with practical tips to help. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why not all turnover is bad—and what your numbers might really be telling you 
• The warning signs a new hire might not be the right fit 
• How to improve both your recruitment and onboarding processes 
• Why psychometric testing can dramatically increase hiring success 
• Practical steps for having difficult conversations early (and legally) 
• Retention strategies that actually work—especially for your top performers 

Karen also shares the latest data from AHRI and explains why “hire slow, fire fast” is still essential advice, especially when hiring missteps are costing time, energy, and team morale. 

Whether you're struggling with people leaving too soon or staying too long, this episode will help you shift from reactive to strategic when it comes to hiring and retention. 

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!
 
Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.  

Also Mentioned in This Episode: 

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/easy-calculation-for-employee-turnover/ 

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/recruiting-right-use-psychometrics-to-find-great-people/ 

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

In this episode, Karen Kirton is joined by Povel Torudd one of the most powerful (and underused) tools in internal communications: storytelling. 

Povel is the Managing Director of Berkeley Communications and Lead Storyteller for APAC, and we unpack how stories can be used not just in branding and marketing, but to create a thriving, emotionally connected workplace culture. 

In this conversation, we cover: 

• Why storytelling is just as important for internal comms as it is for PR 
• How narrative techniques help teams remember and retell company messages 
• The science behind why stories are more engaging than data alone 
• What a true “storytelling culture” looks like in a business 
• Common mistakes leaders make when using storytelling for staff engagement 
• Best practices for embedding storytelling at all levels of your organisation 
• How storytelling strengthens employer branding and ESG initiatives 

Whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or shaping culture—this episode will give you practical inspiration to bring more humanity and connection into the way your business communicates.  

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!
 
Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.  

Connect with Povel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/poveltorudd/ 

Find Berkeley Communications at berkeleypr.com 

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

It’s easy to assume that offering employee benefits automatically means they’re effective—but are your benefits truly driving engagement and retention? 

In this episode, Karen explores the often-overlooked question: Are your employee benefits actually working for your people and your business? From underused EAPs to forgotten wellbeing perks, she unpacks why many programs fall short and how you can fix that—without necessarily spending more. 

You’ll learn: 

• The disconnect between leadership intention and employee experience 
• Surprising stats on what benefits really matter 
• How to audit your benefits using four key checkpoints: Utilisation, Awareness, Relevance, and Manager Engagement 
• Three low-effort, high-impact steps to get more ROI from your current benefits 
• Why relaunching, piloting, and manager training make all the difference 

Karen also shares practical examples from real businesses and why regular reviews can transform benefits from “tick-the-box” perks to culture-embedded tools that truly support your people. 

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases every second Monday!
 
Visit amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.  

Also Mentioned in This Episode: 

amplifyhr.com.au/12-employee-benefits-that-will-attract-and-retain-top-talent 

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

In this episode, Karen Kirton is joined by the ever-insightful and energetic Peita Diamantidis, co-founder of Caboodle Financial Services and co-host of the Schitt with Money podcast (it’s a rewatch of Schitt’s Creek from a fun financial perspective!). 

Together, they explore why financial wellbeing is no longer a “nice-to-have” in today’s workplace—it’s a necessity. 

Peita shares how financial stress is showing up at work in real ways: absenteeism, burnout, decision fatigue. But here's the good news—supporting your employees doesn't mean offering complex financial advice or handing out pay rises. 

 In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why financial education needs to shift from “facts” to inspiration and behaviour change 
• How money stories from childhood shape adult financial decisions 
• Why superannuation seminars miss the mark—and what to do instead 
• The power of cash flow automation, pay splitting, and simple steps to boost financial confidence 
• How creative, engaging financial wellbeing sessions (with 3D glasses, no less!) can transform culture 

We also explore practical ways leaders can role-model healthy financial habits and create safe spaces for money conversations without it becoming about salary negotiations. 

Whether you're an business owner, people leader, or just someone who wants to better support your team—this episode will leave you thinking differently about money, mindset, and workplace wellbeing. 

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!
 
Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.  

Connect with https://www.linkedin.com/in/peitamd/ Co-founder of Caboodle Financial Services. 

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

Are you feeling the pressure of managing people, policies, and growth—but unsure what kind of HR support your business truly needs?  

In this episode, we dive into one of the most common questions from growing small to medium businesses: When do I need ongoing HR support? 

This episode is a must-listen if: 

• You’re starting to outgrow your DIY HR processes 
• You’re not sure when or how to invest in HR support 
• You want to make a smart financial and strategic choice about your people operations 

In this episode, we explore: 

• What is Fractional HR, and how it compares to hiring a full-time HR Manager 
• The pros and cons of each option based on your business stage 
• Cost comparisons: $36K/year vs. up to $200K/year—and what you get for it 
• Real-life examples of businesses that made the switch (and saved big) 
• Signs you're ready to build a people strategy, not just stay compliant 
•  When it’s actually time to make your first HR hire—and how to do it right 

You’ll walk away with clarity on the right HR support structure for your team—whether you’re in rapid growth or just laying your foundations. 

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!
 
Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au for more insights and resources.  

Free download: Unlock Business Growth Through Your People: 

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep/  

Also Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Episode 47: Six Tips for Hiring Your First HR Person 
• Robert Half Salary Guide  
• Amplify HR’s Accelerate Program 

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

In this episode we explore the transformative potential of well-crafted policies and governance frameworks in small to medium-sized businesses. We are joined by Celeste Norman, founder of Rayne Legal, who brings a wealth of experience in the legal and compliance realms. Together, we debunk the myth of policies as mere formalities and reveal how they can be leveraged as strategic tools for sustainable business growth. 

In this episode, you will discover: 

• The Strategic Importance of Policies: Understand how policies are not just administrative necessities but the backbone of your business practices, guiding both operational efficiency and cultural alignment. 
• Dynamic and Fit-for-Purpose Policies: Learn from Celeste’s expertise on how to keep policies relevant and adaptable, ensuring they reflect the current needs and future aspirations of your business. 
• Integrating Flexibility with Structure: Dive into discussions on flexible working arrangements and how well-defined policies can support both business needs and employee well-being, fostering a culture of trust and mutual respect. 
• Governance as a Tool for Culture Building: Gain insights on how consistent and fair governance practices are instrumental in cultivating a positive workplace culture and driving employee engagement. 
• Practical Tips for Business Leaders: Equip yourself with actionable advice on enhancing governance, compliance, and operational efficiency to navigate the complexities of today’s business environment effectively. 
• Future-Proofing Your Business: Celeste shares her thoughts on the importance of staying proactive about governance and the role of policies in aligning with broader business strategies. 

Join us as we challenge conventional views on policies and governance, emphasising their role in driving meaningful change and business success.  

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!
 
Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.  

Connect with Celeste at www.rayne.com.au or https://www.linkedin.com/in/celeste-norman-rayne/  

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

Is people management getting in the way of growing your business? 

In this practical episode, we unpack the five clear signs that it's time to get HR support—before people problems turn into business blockers. 

Whether you're navigating team turnover, inconsistent onboarding, or scaling into new markets, this episode will help you spot the red flags and understand what HR support can do to reduce stress and unlock performance. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why spending more time on team issues than growth is a warning sign 
• How to spot the hidden costs of high employee turnover—even if the reasons seem valid 
• What inconsistent onboarding does to productivity and culture 
• Why role clarity becomes non-negotiable as your business grows 
• How to prepare your people strategy before you scale 

You'll also hear real-life stories from growing businesses that discovered the true ROI of people strategy—through outsourced HR, structured onboarding, and team clarity. 

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new releases on Mondays!
 
Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au  for more insights and resources.   

Free download: Unlock Business Growth Through Your People: 

 https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep/  

Also mentioned in this episode: https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/easy-calculation-for-employee-turnover/  

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/ 

If you’re running a professional services business and looking to scale beyond seven figures, this episode is packed with powerful insights to help you get there.  

Karen is joined by Marco Formaggio, founder of Sweat2Scale, who shares practical strategies drawn from his own success building and selling a successful business, and now helping others do the same. 

In today’s episode, you’ll discover: 

• Why shifting from a technical focus to a people-first mindset is critical for professional services businesses—and how it transformed Marco’s leadership approach. 
• The surprising truth about core values: why they’re not ‘soft skills’, but fundamental to performance, culture, and growth. 
• The difference between core, aspirational, and accidental values—and how to define the ones that will truly drive your business forward. 
• How hiring people better than you is not a threat—it’s the key to scaling and eventually creating a business that can run without you. 
• The revenue concentration trap: how relying too heavily on a small number of clients can stall (or sink) your growth, and what to do instead. 
• The one structural change Marco recommends to unlock growth—especially if you feel stuck in the delivery side of the business. 
• Why building an asset that runs independently gives you freedom—not just a path to exit, but more options, control, and legacy. 

This episode is a must-listen for any founder ready to scale with intention, align their people with purpose, and build a business that’s not just profitable—but also sustainable and scalable. 

Make sure to subscribe to stay updated with new  releases on Mondays!
 
Visit https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/ for more insights and resources.  

Free download: https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/find-grow-keep/   

Also Mentioned in This Episode: 

Contact Marco at [email protected], follow him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcoformaggio/  or request to join his LinkedIn group, Global Professional Services Business Founders. 

Send us Fan Mail

Download our free guide, “Getting Stuff Done Through Your People,” giving you the tools to build a culture where people take ownership, goals get achieved, and results follow.

https://www.amplifyhr.com.au/downloadable/getting-stuff-done-through-your-people/